In the canton of Solothurn, it is estimated that more than 20,000 mountain bikers are now regularly out and about off-road. The attractiveness and versatility of the trail network help to make biking so popular in the canton. The large bike community appreciates this and is willing to make a contribution. Mountain bikers have demonstrated their commitment to the maintenance and renovation of hiking trails several times in recent years, whether in the Thal Nature Park, on the Weissenstein or on the Engelberg in Dulliken.

"With IG Mountainbike, we primarily want to ensure that our interests are represented. It's not about creating new bike trails, but about cooperating with authorities and other organizations that are concerned with the use of the cantonal trail network," says Roy Studer, who forms the co-presidency together with Dominik Hug, summarizing the purpose of the IG.

The foundation of the IG is taking place not least against the backdrop of the ongoing revision of the cantonal forest law. The first workshops have already taken place and brought the bike community onto the scene. "We want to influence the forest legislation in our favor and prevent legal regulations on the recreational use of the forest from making the good cooperation with all those involved more difficult. With this in mind, IG Mountainbike will now represent the canton's mountain bikers as a competent point of contact," says Studer.The foundation of IG Mountainbike has met with an extremely positive response. So far, 350 members from clubs are represented in the IG; in the next step, those responsible want to win over unorganized bikers, loose bike meet-ups and other clubs as members. Co-President Studer is optimistic: "The IG was formed within a few weeks. We are surprised by the positive response and are confident that, as the voice of the bike community, we can make an important contribution to preserving the canton's forest trail paradise." Bikers are also hikers, joggers and ornithologists. IG Mountainbike therefore has the vision of one day being able to ride on Solothurn's leisure trails with equal rights for all users.